My Willys 3A and 3B Community

3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: JohnR on January 19, 2014, 12:36:32 AM

Title: Engine date 1940?
Post by: JohnR on January 19, 2014, 12:36:32 AM: Hi guys
Stripping down the Willys for sandblasting, and what I'm assuming is the build date on the oil pan mating area of the block is stamped 11 14 40 (of what is supposed to be a 53).ï¿½ It is a timing chain motor, so I know it is incorrect for the year.ï¿½ ï¿½Keep it, sell it or what?ï¿½ This project is full of surprises!
John
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: Mike S on January 19, 2014, 01:39:44 AM: It all depends on what you want from your Jeep. There is very little difference between the early chain drive and the later gear drive engines -- everything is the same except the distributor, oil pump, and cam. The heads my be non-ribbed on the military and early CJ engines.

I have a newly re-built chain drive (they were used up until motor 44,XXX - late '46) that is going into my '47. I also have the original gear drive engine for my '47, which I will probably rebuild next year.
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: SteveW on January 19, 2014, 08:27:03 AM: I wouldn't sweat it too much. I have a utility engine in mine, except for the front plate was wrong and the po beat motor mount to where I couldn't do anything with it except weld an adapter it and make it work it is fine.
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: F Bill on January 19, 2014, 08:44:28 AM: I think a 1940 build date would be a pre WWII engine from a Willys Americar or similar.....are there casting numbers or serial numbers you can share? Does the block look the same as newer engines or can you see the water jacket for individual cylinders??

Also some of the earliest engines had babbited connecting rods instead of replaceable insert bearings....Not worth the expense to rebabbit when there are plenty of new style rods around.
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on January 19, 2014, 09:55:11 AM: The number on an early engine is likely to be stamped on the side of the block on a pad between the oil filter can and the distributor, closer to and sort of behind the oil filter....

I looked at a 2a with a 441-xxxx motor, which was a 1941 Americar engine, and it ran like a watch....
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: JohnR on January 19, 2014, 11:12:50 AM: Hi guys,
Serial number is 441 57 314.
Numbers cast on bottom of block:ï¿½ 11-12 638632 W2 N1-CR N2
the head is also the non ribbed version.
Thanks,
John
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: JohnR on January 19, 2014, 12:36:37 PM: Head numbers are 337 014 W2. Any info appreciated.

John
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: 1955CJ-5 on January 19, 2014, 01:23:03 PM: I've about exhausted my knowledge base....but there is some good info here:

http://ww2jeeps.com/htm/Lheadmain.htm
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: JohnR on January 19, 2014, 01:52:09 PM: Thanks.
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: F Bill on January 19, 2014, 02:17:27 PM: Quote
Hi guys,
Serial number is 441 57 314.
Numbers cast on bottom of block:ï¿½ 11-12 638632 W2 N1-CR N2
the head is also the non ribbed version.
Thanks,
John

Yup, Americar, pre WWII chain drive engine. How many bolts on the thermostat housing?
Title: Re: Engine date 1940?
Post by: JohnR on January 19, 2014, 07:16:40 PM: Two bolt thermostat housing. Rods have inserts and aren't babbited, so that's one plus.